Netori: Stealing The Hero's Party!

Chapter 748: A Little History

I was once...a queen, or at least I would’ve been. But my sister, she took that mantle instead because of some too old to rot elder’s blind decision making. It drove me mad, the way she ruled over us, like a child being handed a golden spoon only to fiddle with it like a toy, not truly knowing its worth. And much like any brittle toy, her reign came to a rather abrupt end. I didn’t even have to do anything; she fell victim to her own shortsightedness.

Offering up the fair elves and aiding the dark skinned, she saved her hide for a while, but eventually, as the elves ran dry, of course, their anger turned to us. My sister had already shown weakness by siding with them under pressure, and thus, when they came for the slaughter, she was amongst the first to die as an example set for the others.

But that would not do, not as long as I, Muena Rosehide, am alive. So I did what was necessary to keep my bloodline going, I did what was necessary to get stronger, more prudent and even gained allies throughout the deserts and amongst different tribes of monsters. I brought them all together, of course, some were more stubborn than the rest, but with this boy at my side, things quickly became a lot easier.

”I am your family,” placing a hand on Frazer’s shoulder as we walked, I gave the boy a gentle squeeze, ”Remember who saved you when you were dying like a roasted lizard, it was me, Frazer, not that so-called family.”

Nodding in affirmation, the boy kept his head straight and glared at the other chosen’s back. Following his gaze, I brought myself to him as well. His cape was fluttering in the darkness and proved rather potent for his followers. Visible even in the dark, it made following him quite easy even for those who couldn’t see all that well in the dark.

’This kid...he’s trouble.’ Even without looking at me, I can feel him watching me somehow. Looking back is no different either; his companions aren’t directly staring me down, but it almost feels like they’re on the same level as him. ’As for that girl.’

Dressed in a black, rather short skirt and all dark makeup, she seems way too out of place and what is up with that sword? Is that one of the equipment that Caladrius girl made for them? I need to be cautious; they’re planning something, but we’re also not too far from where we need to be.

’Just a little while more, isn’t that right?’ With a smile, I turned my attention to the only people from his entourage that I could trust. However, as stiff as a board, they kept walking without recognizing my gaze. ’Doesn’t matter anymore, you’re going to once we return.’

”Wait...” Suddenly, the leader of the group held his hand back to give us pause. ”It’s that man again. Stay on your toes, the horrors are engaging him, but these are no more than fodder to buy us time.”

”What man are you talking about?” Frazer asked, his tone as sharp as always.

”We fought him before. He uses projectiles that require quite a bit of effort to block them, best for us to avoid them if possible than take them head-on again,” Flitza answers, her eyes and hands quivering for some odd reason.

”I’m not afraid of him, let me–” Placing a hand on Frazer’s shoulder, I stopped him from taking another step forward. Looking up at me with a frown, he seemed confused as to why I would stop him, and so I had to explain.

”We stick to the plan no matter what,” flashing a brief smile, I turned my head towards the leader. ”Isn’t that right, general?”

His eyes lingered on me for quite a bit. He was obviously suspicious of me, but just a while longer, and none of it would matter. I will be queen, I know what happens, what the future holds, it is their gift to me–

”While the wait lasts,” the sudden interruption to my thoughts opened my petals and revealed my eye. ”I wanted to ask you some questions about this place.”

The boy Raven stepped in front of me. Frazer tried to remain in front, but the leader just walked around him. Somehow, I even felt something from that bracelet that he was wearing. A glint of rage, perhaps jealousy. I couldn’t be sure, but there were many eyes leering at me from within. And in that glare, I felt another true monster’s presence.

’That giant Arche. I wonder how she ended up in his possession.’ The thought drew me in, but before I could explore it further, the boy asked me a question.

”I heard that this used to be Dryad territory. Partly elves lived here too,” titling his head slightly, Raven’s eyes squinted at me with great doubt. ”Was this your home as well? What about the other monster girls? Are their clans still in here somewhere?”

Lowering my head, I matched his sharp eyes. A cold jolt rippled through me due to his gaze; something in it felt as cold as ice. Keeping up the facade, however, I flashed the man my usual smile.

”Only I survived, and on my way out, I ran into Frazer, and then we ran into the other clans together.” Turning around, I gestured to the other three girls to step up and affirm. ”Isn’t that right, Josare, Gina, and Kumi?”

With the exception of Josare, the always angsty slime girl, everyone nodded right away. Eventually, even she nodded, but it seems I might have to remind her of our arrangement when we’re alone again.

”See? I told you,” I said to the hero, and although he kept staring at me for a while longer, upon hearing a strange whistle coming from the frontline, he quickly turned around and left the matter for now.

”We’re moving in. He should be a little tired by now.” With his hand held halfway up, he led us deeper into the grips of this strange man. Even I had no idea who he was, but if he’s in this forest, then I doubt he posed any threat to me or Frazer.

’Either way, we’re here...’